Elia steps aside for new candidates

When Summerlanders go to the polls on Nov. 19, they will elect at least one newcomer to municipal council.

Coun. Sam Elia, who had initially put his name forward, withdrew his nomination before the Oct. 21 cutoff.

He said the reason for his decision to withdraw was because of the quality of the incumbents and new candidates who had declared themselves.

“I’m really comfortable with the people who have come forward. I wanted to let someone else have an opportunity,” he said.

Elia was elected to council in 2009, along with two other first-time councillors, Jim Kyluik and Lloyd Christopherson. Another councillor, Gordon Clark, had served in the past, but not in the 2005 to 2008 council term.

Elia said the dynamics around the council table were positive and each member brought unique strengths to the table.

“As a group, we got a lot of stuff done,” he said.

Elia said the next council will have to focus on ways to help the local economy.

The changing demographics of the community, with an aging population, will also prevent special challenges to the new council, he said.

The council, once elected, will serve a three-year term.

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